September 25, 2026
Greetings in Christ,
This weekend we will hear about Jesus’ parables of the two sons. In the end, obedience and doing the Father’s will is critically important. Naturally, our Lord is the perfect Son who loves the Father and always does His will. All the saints strive to imitate the Son, asking for the grace of the Holy Spirit to be receptive and obedient to our heavenly Father in all things. May God who began the good work in you bring it to completion.
Capital Campaign Update: Our Growth in Christ campaign is now underway, and the generosity of our St. Therese Church and School community is clearly apparent. We would like to express our thanks to the donors who have given so generously already. While there is much to celebrate, there is also much work to be done.
Every family will be asked to consider a specific commitment to the campaign. We have gone through an exhaustive process to determine requests that are appropriate for each family. That said, in some cases our request may be too high. In some cases, it may be too low. It is not an expectation. It is an invitation – and the starting point for your personal discernment.
We invite you to spend time reflecting on St. Therese, its future, and how you can help. Pray and ask the Lord for guidance. Give in a way that represents the blessings that you have received.
Thank you for your cooperation, your consideration, and your support of St. Therese!
Greece Pilgrimage: We have had a blessed time following the footsteps of St. Paul on our Greece pilgrimage. We also had the chance to stop at some beautiful islands such as Santorini and Mykonos. There is something about being on a ship that reminds one that we are pilgrims simply passing through life as we cooperate with God’s grace to reach the port of heaven. Below are some photos of our experiences this past week. As always, God’s furry friends always seem to catch my eye!
Every family will be asked to consider a specific commitment to the campaign. We have gone through an exhaustive process to determine requests that are appropriate for each family. That said, in some cases our request may be too high. In some cases, it may be too low. It is not an expectation. It is an invitation – and the starting point for your personal discernment.
We invite you to spend time reflecting on St. Therese, its future, and how you can help. Pray and ask the Lord for guidance. Give in a way that represents the blessings that you have received.
Thank you for your cooperation, your consideration, and your support of St. Therese!
Greece Pilgrimage: We have had a blessed time following the footsteps of St. Paul on our Greece pilgrimage. We also had the chance to stop at some beautiful islands such as Santorini and Mykonos. There is something about being on a ship that reminds one that we are pilgrims simply passing through life as we cooperate with God’s grace to reach the port of heaven. Below are some photos of our experiences this past week. As always, God’s furry friends always seem to catch my eye!
Little alley in Rhodes
One of many stray cats in Rhodes
A little break in Rhodes
Second collection for this parish boat
Some of our happy pilgrims in Rhodes
Kusadasi, Turkey (by Ephesus)
A sign on drive to Mary’s house!
Photo before entering Mary’s house
Following Mass at Blessed Virgin’s house
Prayer wall outside Mary’s house
Some of my prayer candles for the parish
Outside of St. John’s tomb
St. John’s tomb in Ephesus
Amphitheater in ancient Ephesus
Famous Garfield of Ephesus
10,000 Followers on Instagram
Dog in ancient Ephesus
Possibly played in the Wizard of Oz
Time off Purgatory
Traditional Turkish dancers
Happy pilgrims on our ship
Our wonderful guide, Alex
Red sandy beach in Santorini
Santorini
The happy crew in Santorini
Greek Orthodox Church in Santorini
Mules in Santorini
Furry friend in Santorini
St. Therese in Santorini
Little Venice in Mykonos
Our Lady of the Rosary in Mykonos
Scooter Shop at end of Bourne Identity
Orthodox Church in Mykonos
Dress up night on the cruise
Lovely morning sky into Philippi
Furry friend greeting us off the bus
Inside Lydia’s Baptistry
Mass where St. Paul baptized Lydia in Acts 16
Ruins of ancient Philippi
St. Paul’s prison in Philippi
4th century inscription on octagon church floor
“The Basilica of Paul, in Christ” in Philippi
Goldy found Fr. Andrie in Philippi
Psalms Course starting on Oct. 6: I have been working diligently to prepare for the first couple of classes of the Psalms course. It is going to be a great course! The Psalms are fascinating! There is so much to discuss in the world's most famous poetic literature! The course begins on Tuesday, October 6. We will offer a morning session at 9:00 am and an evening session at 6:30 pm. You can sign up on our parish website or after the Masses this weekend, as we will have a table set up.
Men's Group Meeting Thursday, October 1: As we look forward to gathering in fellowship and strengthening our walk with Christ, October’s gathering will center on our patron, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, and November will feature a ticketed event as our parish hosts the REBOOT experience with Chris Stefanick. We warmly encourage all men to join us for these meaningful opportunities to grow in faith together.
Pet Blessing on Friday, October 2nd at 4 pm:
Just a reminder that the pet blessing is next Friday at 4:00 pm in front of the stage at the Outdoor Learning Center. Naturally, all God’s furry friends are invited, including those that meow. I won’t be stingy with the holy water. If you have a pet that is a little rambunctious around other animals, please make sure you take the necessary precautions.
Just a reminder that the pet blessing is next Friday at 4:00 pm in front of the stage at the Outdoor Learning Center. Naturally, all God’s furry friends are invited, including those that meow. I won’t be stingy with the holy water. If you have a pet that is a little rambunctious around other animals, please make sure you take the necessary precautions.
Relive the glory days at the 4th Annual North Star Night Out on Oct. 3!
This evening brings together our school and parish community for a night of fun and fellowship—all while supporting St. Therese School.
Donations to the Annual Fund go directly towards the school's general operating budget and are used where they are most needed each year: teacher salaries, supplies, utilities, and special projects and initiatives.
Any school spirit apparel is encouraged but not required. Think letter jackets, varsity sweaters, your alma mater sweatshirt, cheer skirts, and your favorite game-day style.
Included in the price of your ticket are beer, wine, a specialty cocktail, and live music. A food truck will be available for purchase.
Here is the link to get tickets:
This evening brings together our school and parish community for a night of fun and fellowship—all while supporting St. Therese School.
Donations to the Annual Fund go directly towards the school's general operating budget and are used where they are most needed each year: teacher salaries, supplies, utilities, and special projects and initiatives.
Any school spirit apparel is encouraged but not required. Think letter jackets, varsity sweaters, your alma mater sweatshirt, cheer skirts, and your favorite game-day style.
Included in the price of your ticket are beer, wine, a specialty cocktail, and live music. A food truck will be available for purchase.
Here is the link to get tickets:
Interested in starting the process of joining the Catholic Church? Do you have questions about Catholicism, or are you looking to learn more about the faith? OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) classes started on Sept. 17; you can still join us.
Learn about what Catholics believe with a group of other adults interested in growing in their faith. If you are interested or know someone interested in becoming Catholic, please email OCIA@St-Therese.org.
Learn about what Catholics believe with a group of other adults interested in growing in their faith. If you are interested or know someone interested in becoming Catholic, please email OCIA@St-Therese.org.
REBOOT A Life‑Changing Event: REBOOT, a powerful evening of renewal with internationally acclaimed Catholic speaker Chris Stefanick, is coming right here to St. Therese. This dynamic experience is designed to help you rediscover and deepen your faith in a fresh, practical, and inspiring way.
Please see the information below for details on how to participate. We hope you’ll join us for this exceptional opportunity.
Please see the information below for details on how to participate. We hope you’ll join us for this exceptional opportunity.
Adoration: Keep in mind that you can always share an hour with someone, and you rotate with another person each week. Any amount of time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the best time you will spend on earth.
Most needed times:
For more information, call Geri at 952-473-4422 or Marilyn Olson at 952-474-4344.
Most needed times:
- Tuesday, 3–4 pm
- Wednesday, 11-12noon
- Wednesday, 1–2 pm (need a sub until Oct 7)
- Wednesday, 4-5 pm
- Friday, 10-11 am
- Friday, 12 noon-1 pm
For more information, call Geri at 952-473-4422 or Marilyn Olson at 952-474-4344.
Respect Life Baby Bottle Campaign, Sept. 26 – Oct. 11:
The Respect Life Team is distributing baby bottles in the Gathering Space after Mass this weekend and also on Oct. 3 & 4 to raise funds for SouthWest Options for Women, our nearest pregnancy resource center.
We invite you to take a Baby bottle home, fill it with coins, paper money or a check payable to “SouthWest Options for Women,” and return it to the table in the Gathering Space by the Oct. 11 deadline.
This pregnancy center offers FREE RESOURCES to help pregnant women in need and those parenting young babies: pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling, classes, baby clothes, diapers and wipes, and more.
The Spiritual Adoption Party, Oct. 4:
The Respect Life Team invites you to a party on Oct. 4 to celebrate the births of 80 “spiritually adopted” babies who were at risk of abortion and are now due in Oct. Beginning last Jan., each little one and its mother were prayed for daily throughout their pregnancy.
Come to the Spiritual Adoption Party next Sunday, Oct. 4, in the Community Room after the 10 am Mass.
Join Us in Praying the Rosary: You are invited to gather with us on Wednesdays at 9:15 am by the fireplace to pray the Rosary together. It’s a peaceful way to pause, reflect, and lift our intentions as a community.
As a reminder, we also offer the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet every Thursday at 3 pm in the Chapel for those who think this time works better.
Giving Garden Update: Our St. Therese garden hit a major milestone. We have delivered more than 5000 pounds of produce so far this season. That is quite an accomplishment for our little garden and also for our dedicated volunteers who help to tend and harvest those crops. Kudos to all who are involved. We are greatly blessed to be able to provide so much for those who need it.
Gardening continues through early October.
Join the garden ministry to help or to donate extras from your garden space.
Saturdays 9-11 AM
Tuesdays 6-7 PM
The Respect Life Team is distributing baby bottles in the Gathering Space after Mass this weekend and also on Oct. 3 & 4 to raise funds for SouthWest Options for Women, our nearest pregnancy resource center.
We invite you to take a Baby bottle home, fill it with coins, paper money or a check payable to “SouthWest Options for Women,” and return it to the table in the Gathering Space by the Oct. 11 deadline.
This pregnancy center offers FREE RESOURCES to help pregnant women in need and those parenting young babies: pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling, classes, baby clothes, diapers and wipes, and more.
The Spiritual Adoption Party, Oct. 4:
The Respect Life Team invites you to a party on Oct. 4 to celebrate the births of 80 “spiritually adopted” babies who were at risk of abortion and are now due in Oct. Beginning last Jan., each little one and its mother were prayed for daily throughout their pregnancy.
Come to the Spiritual Adoption Party next Sunday, Oct. 4, in the Community Room after the 10 am Mass.
Join Us in Praying the Rosary: You are invited to gather with us on Wednesdays at 9:15 am by the fireplace to pray the Rosary together. It’s a peaceful way to pause, reflect, and lift our intentions as a community.
As a reminder, we also offer the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet every Thursday at 3 pm in the Chapel for those who think this time works better.
Giving Garden Update: Our St. Therese garden hit a major milestone. We have delivered more than 5000 pounds of produce so far this season. That is quite an accomplishment for our little garden and also for our dedicated volunteers who help to tend and harvest those crops. Kudos to all who are involved. We are greatly blessed to be able to provide so much for those who need it.
Gardening continues through early October.
Join the garden ministry to help or to donate extras from your garden space.
Saturdays 9-11 AM
Tuesdays 6-7 PM
New Parish Website: After working for months behind the scenes, we finally updated our parish website! Our parish website has a fresh new look that makes it easier to find things. Feel free to take a little time to explore our new parish website!
Recurring Giving: You are welcome to set up recurring giving and let your stewardship be a continued expression of faith, even while you’re away. Your generosity helps sustain our ministries, strengthen our parish family, and share God’s love throughout the year. If you are currently enrolled in online giving, please prayerfully consider increasing your donation amount to help support our parish and its mission. Thank you for your faithful commitment.
Fall Removal at Resurrection Cemetery: Autumn is here! If you have a loved one buried at Resurrection Cemetery, please make sure to remove flower pots, stands, shepherd hooks, and other items by Thursday, October 1. We will be starting our annual fall clean-up and winter preparation of the grounds before it snows. Please take stands and pots home, as we do not have on-site storage. Flowerpots, stands, and all other items can be returned to the cemetery on May 1st. From November through March, Evergreen wreaths on wire stands (no Christmas trees) are permitted. Please contact Megan Adam at St. John the Baptist with any questions at (952) 474-8868.
September and October Happenings from the Archdiocese:
Solidarity Mass on Sunday, Sept. 27, 5 pm Cathedral of St. Paul
Archbishop Bernard Hebda invites you to join him at this Mass. Pope Leo XIV calls us to welcome migrant and refugee children with compassion, recognizing in each child the face of Christ. For the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that every migrant child has infinite dignity and deserves our welcome, protection, and care. event page
Vocations: Discerning vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, and permanent diaconate; visit and learn information here on the Vocations page.
On the weekend of October 16-18, 2026, the archdiocese will be having its annual Discernment Retreat with Archbishop Hebda for men ages 17-24 without a college degree (if the young man is a Junior in high school but not yet 17, he is allowed to attend). The retreat will be located at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo. flyer
Estate Planning: A reminder that we have a Little Flower Legacy Society at St. Therese to encourage planned and estate gifts to our parish, our school, or one of our endowment funds. Please include St. Therese as a beneficiary in your estate planning! It is an opportunity to give back to our beloved parish and ensure that our parish remains financially viable for generations to come!
Solidarity Mass on Sunday, Sept. 27, 5 pm Cathedral of St. Paul
Archbishop Bernard Hebda invites you to join him at this Mass. Pope Leo XIV calls us to welcome migrant and refugee children with compassion, recognizing in each child the face of Christ. For the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Leo XIV reminds us that every migrant child has infinite dignity and deserves our welcome, protection, and care. event page
Vocations: Discerning vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, and permanent diaconate; visit and learn information here on the Vocations page.
On the weekend of October 16-18, 2026, the archdiocese will be having its annual Discernment Retreat with Archbishop Hebda for men ages 17-24 without a college degree (if the young man is a Junior in high school but not yet 17, he is allowed to attend). The retreat will be located at Christ the King Retreat Center in Buffalo. flyer
Estate Planning: A reminder that we have a Little Flower Legacy Society at St. Therese to encourage planned and estate gifts to our parish, our school, or one of our endowment funds. Please include St. Therese as a beneficiary in your estate planning! It is an opportunity to give back to our beloved parish and ensure that our parish remains financially viable for generations to come!
Flocknote:You can receive my daily Mass reflections sent right to your
phone! To sign up, just text the word “ANDRIE” to 84-576 to follow the link.
Stewardship:Thank you to everyone who continues to support St. Therese! I invite you to continue supporting our beloved parish as it helps us to serve you and remain connected with you! This can be done in the following ways:
Blessings,
Fr. Andrie
phone! To sign up, just text the word “ANDRIE” to 84-576 to follow the link.
Stewardship:Thank you to everyone who continues to support St. Therese! I invite you to continue supporting our beloved parish as it helps us to serve you and remain connected with you! This can be done in the following ways:
- Click the donation button on our main parish website. You can contribute as a guest or log in if you have previously created a profile. You can choose the frequency of your gift (one-time, weekly, biweekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually).
- Bring or mail your stewardship envelope to our parish office.
- Consider transferring a stock “gift” to St. Therese. It’s a tax-free donation.
Blessings,
Fr. Andrie
Goldy: “What is dat?” I think dat’s a cat swimming under water. Wait, no. Dat’s just a jellyfish.”